Boulder police officer under investigation after killing trophy elk

By Mitchell Byars and Erica MeltzerThe Daily Camera

Posted:
01/04/2013 12:01:00 AM MST

Updated:
01/04/2013 04:52:21 AM MST

Chelsea Flagg holds her 11-month-old daughter, Olive, as she resets a photo at a memorial to an elk killed by a Boulder police officer, while Jim Riemersam straightens the tree. (Mark Leffingwell, Daily Camera)

BOULDER — After initially denying neighbor reports that Boulder police shot a large bull elk at Ninth Street and Mapleton Avenue late Tuesday, police officials Thursday revealed that an on-duty officer did kill the animal but failed to file a report with his supervisors or notify dispatchers.

A second, off-duty officer took the elk home "to be processed for meat," according to city officials.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now investigating the shooting to determine whether a crime has occurred, while the Boulder Police Department has launched an internal personnel investigation of the officers involved.

Jennifer Churchill, a spokeswoman for Parks and Wildlife, said she cannot comment on the case because it is an "active investigation."

Churchill noted Wednesday that the elk is a "large game animal and a trophy animal." The hunting of such animals is closely regulated. Poachers can face criminal charges and significant fines.